substrate and refugium questions

[Jasontkd]

ok, I am working on setting up my 29 gallon SPS mixed reef. I want about a 3" sand bed, but I am not sure what type of sand to go with. Is there a particular grain size that is better than others? I am going to have a lot of flow (2 x tunze 6025's and a mag 7 return pump through a SCWD).

Also, is there any real benefit to adding a small refugium to my sump. I am going to be using a 20H. I have a CSS 220 that I will have sitting in the sump as well as the mag 7. I will have 3 baffle to reduce bubbles, but I could probably squeeze in a small section for a refugium. would it benefit my system?

[ckusnierek]

I added a 35g display refuge a few weeks ago and already see a decrease in micro algae. Mine is a 35g corner with a 5" DSB with super fine sand about 40lbs LR a few softies a and some macro. 130w PC on for 12 hours a day. there is only about 250gph flow.

I could be wrong but I think the key to a fuge is low flow giving the macro time to absorb the nutreients.

I found that in my 75g display when I had fine sand all I had was sand storm so I swapped it for a coarse sand. I think it was caribsea "sea floor substrate" It's kind of in between crushed coral and sand

HTH

[Twitterbait]

honestly, i never recommend a refugium unless you plan on keeping horses in it... it is just a septic tank in your main tank. a good skimmer is always better imo

[Jasontkd]

well, there is no doubt in my mind that a CSS 220 with the fishing line mod and an airline valve can more than handle my 29 set-up

[Jasontkd]

so what type of substrate?

[Glockafella]

I've always had luck with real live sand shipped to my house on my day off and added asap...my sand size is small...i also use marshall is. live rock...never had a problem.